
Vacation rentals in Highlands
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Highlands
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Popular amenities for Highlands vacation rentals
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Highlands

Tiny A-Frame Cabin Near Tallulah
we loved our little getaway to Tiger, GA. the house was perfect for the two of us. the adorable AFrame is exactly as pictured. the hosts were responsive and helpful. I've already had people ask me about the cabin to book their own visits because it was so picturesque. if I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely be staying there!

Mountain Top Hideaway
One of the most scenic rentals out there! We had a perfect stay at Wayne’s place. Instructions on how to get to the cabin were very clear and GPS surprisingly took us right to the front door. You get incredible privacy but only 20 minutes to get into town if you need anything. Would absolutely return here!

Cozy Cabin w/ FirePit - The Hilltop Hideaway
Cozy and comfortable with all you could need to rest and relax The porch was great for reading The house is in a very quiet neighborhood

Ol Skool Cabin ( tiny home)
We loved this peaceful cabin, especially that it’s off the beaten path! Directions were clear & easy, and cabin is sweet & simple- absolutely perfect!

Ramantic Getaway In The Clouds W/Hot Tub & Views!
Our recent stay in this one-of-a-kind dome near the Smoky Mountains was a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Tucked into a quiet patch of forest, the dome offered a beautiful, peaceful escape from everyday life. The outdoor deck was our favorite spot—perfect for sipping coffee in the crisp mountain air or stargazing at night. The hot tub outside was the cherry on top—relaxing in warm water while surrounded by nature was pure magic. The fire pit added a great touch for unwinding in the evenings. Location-wise, it struck the perfect balance—remote enough to feel off-the-grid, but still a short drive from trails, waterfalls, and charming mountain towns. The hosts were friendly, responsive, and made everything easy. If you’re looking for a cozy, beautiful, and totally different kind of stay, this dome is the way to go. Highly recommend for couples or solo travelers looking to recharge in nature.

Highlands, NC Authentic Log Cabin w/ Canoe + Dock
We had a fantastic stay at the cabin last week. We especially loved the back porch- picnic table for outdoor meals and the big swing was awesome! We walked from the cabin to the start of the Cliffside Lake Trail- what a great location!

Luxury 2 Masters-In town Highlands, NC + Fireplace
Place was extremely clean,close to main st highlands but far enough away to be quiet, Becky responded within a few minutes, had a fantastic time in highlands and surrounding area,we travel to highlands often, first time using a airbnb loved it!!Becky's a great host to work with.

Barndominium in the Nantahala National Forest
Will be coming back to this space!! So beautiful, every detail and amenity was available and thought through. Felt right at home & was able to bring the pups! We forgot a water bowl & Lindsey had one ready for us when we got there with plenty of paw towels and doggie bags!! Also, expect a pretty steep driveway! We have a 4-WD and AWD vehicle and had little to no problems. Thank you to Lindsey for offering this amazing space !
Vacation rentals with pools in Highlands

Lakefront cabin getaway
The Lake house was one of the quietest and most peaceful air b-and-b's we have stayed at. The new back deck is the highlight of the lake cabin. The rest of the cabin is fully equipped and functional, but we hardly left the back deck. With its fenced in area and gate was perfect for the dog. The kayaks and dock are a nice addition. It is located close to good dining at Micas restaurant and Whiteside brewery. We came for the hiking in Panthertown area. We will be back again.

Aframe Amazing Views Hot Tub Dog & Family Friendly
Our family felt right at home at Michael's A-frame. My husband commented that it felt as though we had stayed there before, and it really had. It has every amenity and creature comfort you could want or need, including a nicely stocked spice cabinet, plenty of linens, board games and puzzles, and a place to do laundry. Michael was friendly and helpful. Our family had an awesome time, and we hope to be back to enjoy the property in the summer months!

Cataloochee Sky *private spring fed pool & hot tub
Staying at Lee’s cabin was an absolute dream. Perched atop a mountain with wide open views in every direction, the setting was peaceful and awe-inspiring. The home itself is a gorgeous 70’s modern build, full of character with striking angles, massive windows, and natural light pouring in from every side. It’s the perfect blend of style, comfort, and immersion in nature. Lots of stone, glass, and wood. Lee was a fantastic host—communication was clear, check-in was seamless, and everything about the experience felt easy and welcoming. I found myself wishing I could extend my stay, but I knew snagging more time at a place like this wouldn’t be easy! Truly one of the most memorable stays I’ve had. No complaints at all—just gratitude. I’d come back in a heartbeat. Highly recommend!

Pet-Friendly Blue Ridge Stay w/ Resort Perks
We had a great stay at the townhome. It was in a great location to explore the area towns and all the waterfall hiking in the area. The location was quiet. The split level design of the townhome was nice, because the two bedrooms felt like they had more privacy. Master bed and bath was very spacious. Kitchen was nice and well equipped. It was more up to date then the listing pics. We never used the resort amenities, but we did check out the rec center and it was nice. As a side note, you have to drive just a bit up the road to use those facilities. Also, make sure you read all the check in instructions if you are coming in after hours or on a Sunday! Overall, a great experience and would stay again.

Wonderful mountain cottage with amazing view!
This is such an amazing place and yes it is real! Incredible views and wonderful stunning home in the mountains. It really was a memory I'll have forever. Matt was so awesome, he helped us get settled in and the amenities were so awesome🙏. Stay here and prepare to be pampered all the way up in the mountains! ❤️

Peaceful Cabin | Creek, Trails, Pool & Gym Access
This was a great place and especially clean would definitely recommend for families!

Spring Special! Sleeps 6! Lake access-Resort 1.5mi
Very quiet and private neighborhood. The private pond was amazing for fishing with small children. Location was close to activities and restaurants in Cashiers. Very comfortable place to stay.

Mountain Laurel Retreat
Very pleased with the cleanliness & accommodations. Lovely home!
Other great vacation rentals in Highlands

Cozy Scaly Mountain Cabin
Heather’s place was a great retreat! The cabin was well appointed with interesting decor and a comfortable bed. She had everything one needs for a restful stay from the snacks in the cupboard to the drinks in the fridge. The shower had good water pressure with hot water. Plenty of clean, soft towels were set out ready for you. The landscape had to be my favorite! She takes great pride in offering a variety of flowering plants in the front garden. The moss garden was my favorite! It reminded me of my childhood and playing in the woods. The moss was always my carpet in my fairy home.😁 There are lots of seating outside to accommodate your nature soaking. It rained when we were there and so we did not use the fire chimney but it was a nice feature given the right time. We definitely be back to the Locust Log Cabin whenever we want a quick getaway. Jennifer & Robert McKinney

Buttermilk Cottage, Highlands, NC
This was the perfect place for our girls trip. Less than a 5 min drive to the downtown area and super close to a lot of the waterfalls and hikes! We loved that there were plenty of outdoor seating options to choose from. If you’re looking for a beautifully decorated cozy spot that is close to everything Highlands has to offer, then look no further than here!

Huge Views, Outdoor Tub, Fire Pit, Close to Town!
Thank you Alice & Scott for sharing your beautiful home with us! It was just as pictured and I can't say enough about the spectacular views! Look forward to staying again.

Serene Mountain Cabin - local hiking & fishing
We stayed for a long weekend and the cabin was exactly what we expected-which was lovely! It feels very peaceful and the bed is super comfy. Very easy to get to Cashiers or Highlands with great restaurants and shopping. The decor is beautiful as well as the landscaping on the property. Ace checked in on us and was very responsive. Great host! Thank you!

Highlands Close-to-Town Cabin, Pet-Friendly
Great home for a quick trip for my daughter and I. Everything was as clean as could be, the view from the porch in the evenings was amazing, and it was within a very quick drive to downtown Highlands. While the home isn't situated on acres of land by itself, we didn't notice the neighbors almost at all. It was very quiet and peaceful. The A/C worked like a champ, too. My one caution would be for people traveling with younger children: the second "bedroom" looks to have been converted from an entryway, and has a door directly to the outside from it. The bed is a daybed with a trundle, rather than a standalone bed, but my daughter (19 and petite) said it was comfortable. The master suite was comfortable as well. We both agreed we'd stay here again if we came to Highlands. :)

Chestnut Cottage
We really enjoyed this place! Very clean, seems like it has just been renovated, beautiful and got everything you need. Only few minutes away from town with all the stores and restaurants. Hosts respond very quick to all the questions. Would definitely come back and recommend to others!

Modern Mountain Getaway Near Highlands, NC
House and location was amazing. Views were spectacular and it is the perfect spot to get away for the weekend! Will definitely be back and recommend to any and everyone!

FLY LAKE - A Modern Mirror Lake Cottage
We stayed here for a friends wedding at Old Edwards Inn Farm and it was the perfect home base between all of the weekends activities. Our favorite part about the house was the heated floors in the bathroom. Bryan and Stephen gave us plenty of recommendations of things to do. We hiked Whiteside Mountain and ate dinner at Oak Steakhouse. I would definitely recommend staying here to all of my friends!
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Highlands
Total rentals
230 properties
Nightly prices starting at
G$18,823 GYD before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
11K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
160 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
100 properties allow pets
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
100 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Highlands
All About Highlands
Highlands is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, located within North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The surrounding Appalachian Mountains offer miles of hiking trails where you just may catch a deer drinking from a nearby stream, or raccoons meandering near a rushing waterfall. Occasionally people have reported seeing black bears in this rich ecosystem, which is home to a variety of birds as well.
While the area is known for its serene outdoor atmosphere, Highlands’ Main Street and the nearby town of Cashiers boast an assortment of unique shops and dining experiences. Clothing boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and bookstores line the wide sidewalks. Many of the restaurants feature live music, craft beers, local wines, and an eclectic menu of local produce courtesy of the fertile mountain soil.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Highlands
Due to Highlands’ elevation among the Appalachian Mountains, the summers remain cool and pleasant, making May through September the perfect time to book a Highlands vacation rental. You can enjoy the numerous hiking paths, as well as the outdoor dining opportunities available during this time. As the temperatures drop for the winter months, switch gears for ice skating and snow tubing. Warm clothes and waterproof boots will be necessary during this time, as snowfall is common during Highlands’ winter months. In addition to the regular activities found in Highlands, numerous events are held throughout the year. A multi-day music festival in April features performances from a variety of genres. The Highlands Food and Wine Festival is another popular event held in November, featuring an assortment of delicious food and wine, and more live music.
Top things to do in Highlands
Highlands Nature Center
The Highlands Nature Center features year-round exhibits, interactive displays, and special events that focus on the unique biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region. The onsite botanical gardens showcase nearly 500 species of wildflowers, mosses, ferns, shrubs, and trees. The wooded trails around the center’s lake and pond provide visitors with the chance to see some of the local wildlife.
Dry Falls
Located just minutes outside of Highlands, Dry Falls is a stunning 80-foot waterfall. The paved pathway from the parking lot makes Dry Falls easily accessible. Due to the way the water flows from the overhead cliff, you could have the unique experience of walking behind the falling water without getting wet, although when the rain volume is higher than normal, you just might get sprayed.
Secret Falls
Commonly referred to as Big Shoals Falls, this hidden 50-foot waterfall is located just 6.5 miles from downtown Highlands on Big Creek. The half-mile trail from the parking lot to the waterfall is only marked with one staked sign and blue rectangles on the trees, adding to the clandestine feel of the falls. Once you make the hike, a small sandy beach will be waiting for you, with shallow creek waters providing a place to wade and swim while enjoying the cascading waters from above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Highlands?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 100 vacation rentals in Highlands featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Highlands?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Highlands. Choose from more than 100 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Highlands?
Experience the best of Highlands with our house rentals, starting at about $120 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Highlands have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 50 house rentals with self check-in in Highlands. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
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- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Anakeesta
- Ober Gatlinburg
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
- Black Rock Mountain State Park
- Table Rock State Park
- Gorges State Park
- Cataloochee Ski Area
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Helen Tubing & Waterpark
- Bell Mountain
- Tugaloo State Park
- Soco Falls
- Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club
- Grotto Falls
- Wade Hampton Golf Club
- Anna Ruby Falls
- Jump Off Rock
- Old Edwards Club
- Ski Sapphire Valley
- Old Union Golf Course
- Maggie Valley Club